811.5294/137: Telegram
The Charge in Japan (Bell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:08 p.m.]
570. Statement quoted in Department’s telegram 406, November 2, 7 p.m. was published yesterday in most vernacular papers, the general tenor of their comments being that while evidencing the sincerity of the Federal Government in the negotiations it would have no effect on the impending legislation.
Vernacular press has so far printed little editorial comment on the passage of the California initiative, news of which was received last night. Only two papers contained leaders on the subject. These were more or less hysterical’ and dwelt upon the injustice of the act which would despoil Japanese residents of their vested rights but neither of these papers represent the moderate elements. The entire tone of the comment has been affected by the fact that passage of initiative has for some time past been regarded as certain.
Departments 402 [401], October 29. Several papers this morning carry articles which point to inspiration by the Foreign Office. Among these the Asahi is the most lucid. After noting the fact that the negotiations in Washington have been making smooth progress it states that Ambassador Shidehara, Secretary Colby and Mr. Morris have come together on the fundamentals of a new agreement which it is rumored will lead to a perfectly satisfactory solution [Page 18] within a few weeks and the essentials of which are: 1. As America fears an unlimited Japanese immigration the demand for the tightening of the Gentlemen’s Agreement is to be accepted and the strictest control of persons entering the United States to be exercised. 2. In order to guarantee to Japanese the possession of their vested interest discriminatory treatment to be removed and they are to be allowed to enjoy civil rights on terms of most favored nations.
The article goes on to say.
“There is no room for doubt that an agreement of this nature will be concluded. Although it will be inconvenient for those desiring to go to America, Japanese already there will receive most generous treatment. The only point upon which doubt arises is that if the Imperial Government consents to any such inhuman restraint whereby Japanese residents will be unable to send for their relatives, the nation will suffer a loss of face to have it recorded in a solemn treaty. Therefore there probably will be further negotiations on this point. With the conclusion of the new agreement the California land law will spontaneously [simultaneously?] become inoperative and the Japanese residents will only have to suffer for a short time. Although the future of the Japanese American negotiations may be looked upon with comparative optimism, inasmuch as the Democratic administration, as a result of the election, will not remain in office much longer, this aspect may be impeded by new policies of the Republican Party. It is, however, not likely that the fundamentals of the negotiations will be affected. If, however, the negotiations [are] speedily concluded the Senate which must ratify any agreement may refuse to do so and consequently the formal negotiations will probably not take place until after March.”